October
FAITH-BASED COMMUNITIES
3 – Citywide HB Resident Beach Party
(Tower 5 to Beach Boulevard)
4 – Blessing of the Waves
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange will, in solidarity with other faith traditions, host the second annual “Blessing of the Waves� at the iconic Huntington Beach Pier (400 Pacific Coast Highway) October 4, 2009, 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. The goal of this Diocesan sponsored prayer service and blessing is to bring together surfers and ocean-minded people, regardless of their faith tradition, to show spiritual appreciation for the ocean and all that it gives the planet and its population. This gathering demonstrates concern for a cherished environment already compromised by the effects of climate change, toxic emissions, and other pollution.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange will, in solidarity with other faith traditions, host the second annual “Blessing of the Waves� at the iconic Huntington Beach Pier (400 Pacific Coast Highway) October 4, 2009, 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. The goal of this Diocesan sponsored prayer service and blessing is to bring together surfers and ocean-minded people, regardless of their faith tradition, to show spiritual appreciation for the ocean and all that it gives the planet and its population. This gathering demonstrates concern for a cherished environment already compromised by the effects of climate change, toxic emissions, and other pollution.
The Diocese of Orange organized this first of its kind interreligious event in 2008 drawing more than 400 participants to the Huntington Beach pier to take part in this community activity lead by Catholic clergy, Diocesan youth groups, and participants of various faith traditions. Participants called attention to the immeasurable importance of our oceans and beaches, and took a deeper look at their spiritual significance. The second annual interfaith event will be held in association with the Huntington Beach Centennial Celebration and will feature an opening prayer service, pledge to protect of our oceans and beaches, blessing of waves and attendees, acknowledgment of marine safety representatives, and close with surfing priests and other religious leaders. Dynamic surf and worship music will be provided “live� by The Wedge and Under Sky.
11 – Procession of Light (Pier Plaza/Sports Complex)
Procession of Light -2009: 100 years of Faith in Huntington Beach!
The Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council presents the 10th Annual “Procession of Light” on Sunday, October 11, 2009, beginning with a musical prelude at 3:30 PM at the Huntington Beach Pier Plaza. The program follows from 4:00 until 5:30 PM. In cooperation with the Huntington Beach Centennial Celebration, this year’s theme is “Celebrating 100 Years of Faith.”
This event brings together community members of all faiths to enjoy an entertaining and uplifting free experience to foster interfaith harmony, unity and hope. This year’s celebration spotlights our youth, interfaith music, the World Peace Flame Ceremony, audience-written prayers, and a bagpiper-led procession to the end of the pier and back. The first one hundred attendees will receive a complimentary HB Centennial Candle for the procession.
Musical entertainment includes Emmy Award winning singer / songwriter Faith Rivera, an interfaith choir, music from several faith traditions and more. Cultural and spiritual diversity underscore the uplifting program.
This event is an opportunity for the people of faith in our community to join together in harmony to recognize the role religion and spirituality plays in the quality of life. There are over 65 religious organizations within the greater Huntington Beach area. All are invited to join in this historic celebration of our rich spiritual history.
For event information call 714-315-7720.
Rev. Peggy Price, a founding member of the GHBIC and member of the Centennial Celebration Committee said with her usual passion, “the Procession of Light has become an integral part of our community. It represents a moment when we all come together for each other”. Fr. Christian Mondor, another founding member of the GHBIC joyously proclaimed: “over the past ten years our Interfaith Council successfully brought together an amazing variety of organized religious organizations closing the gap between intolerance and understanding”.
November
COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATION
7 – Old Fashioned Picnic in the Park at Lake Park
The Centennial Celebration Committee’s theme for November is “Celebrating 100 Years of Community Based Organizations”. In honor of this, the Centennial Committee will hold an Old-Fashioned Community Picnic on November 7 from 10 am to 4 pm at Lake Park.
Lake Park is located at Main and 12th Streets. The picnic is free and includes great activities such as kid’s games, three-legged sack race, pie eating contest, music, bounce-house, and much more. The activities are sponsored by these local community-based organizations: Kiwanis, Elks, Rotary, Soroptimist and Lions Club.
Great picnic foods will be available and dogs on leashes are welcome. The day’s schedule presents a variety of traditional activities including a cake walk, bobbing for apples, bean bag throw, and a fishing hole. Several competitions will be held as well, including a three-legged sack race, a funny hat contest, and a pie-eating challenge featuring Polly’s Pies. A photo booth and moon bounce will be available for some foolish fun, and a saloon shootout is also scheduled with Reverend Bruce. In addition, the clubs are arranging a multitude of booths that will be selling food such as hot dogs, roasted corn, root beer, pie, ice cream, drinks, and popcorn. All proceeds go to each respective club to maintain their community volunteering programs.
For more information, call Don MacAllister at 714-960-2892.
December
6 – Light a light of Love with the dedication of 100 lighted snowflakes
Holiday Party
(Bella Terra)